Dagon by H.P. Lovecraft (1919)
The story revolves around a man who returns to his hometown after being away for several years. He becomes obsessed with uncovering the truth about a mysterious cult that has been operating in secret. The cult's rituals and practices are centered around an ancient deity known as Dagon, which is said to have been worshipped by humans in prehistoric times. As the protagonist delves deeper into the mystery, he discovers that the cult is planning to summon Dagon from its underwater lair. He also learns about the creature's horrific appearance and abilities, including its ability to control the minds of those who worship it. The story builds up to a climactic confrontation between the protagonist and the cultists as they attempt to summon Dagon. The outcome is a descent into madness and chaos, with the protagonist ultimately succumbing to the creature's influence. Throughout the story, themes of cosmic horror, the insignificance of humanity, and the dangers of delving too deep into forbidden knowledge are explored.
By H.P. Lovecraft · First published 1919 · Genre: Horror, Weird Fiction, Fantasy · 2,440 words
First lines
I am writing this under an appreciable mental strain, since by tonight I shall be no more. Penniless, and at the end of my supply of the drug which alone makes life endurable, I can bear the torture no longer; and shall cast myself from this garret window into the squalid street below. Do not think from my slavery to morphine that I am a weakling or a degenerate. When you have read these hastily scrawled pages you may guess, though never fully realise, why it is that I must have forgetfulness or death.
What this Textopian page supports
Dagon is listed on Textopian as a short story by H.P. Lovecraft, dated 1919 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: H.P. Lovecraft
- Date: 1919 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Horror, Weird Fiction, Fantasy, Gothic Fiction, Science Fiction
- Length: 2,440 words
- Structure: 1 section, 19 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Dagon by H.P. Lovecraft
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Dagon?
- How does this short story by H.P. Lovecraft fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Horror first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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- What The Moon Brings by H. P. Lovecraft
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Genres
- Horror — The narrative evokes intense fear and dread through its themes of madness, the unknown, and grotesque imagery.
- Weird Fiction — The story blends elements of fantasy and horror, featuring bizarre creatures and settings that defy conventional reality.
- Fantasy — The presence of ancient gods and mythical beings introduces fantastical elements that are central to the plot.
- Gothic Fiction — The atmosphere is dark and oppressive, with themes of isolation and psychological torment characteristic of Gothic literature.
Tags
Cthulhu Mythos · Horror Fiction · Supernatural · Mythology · Ancient Deities · Sea Monsters · Madness · Sanity · Psychological Horror · Atmosphere of Dread · Cosmic Horror · Existential Crisis